JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Day 3 Exam Analysis: Both shifts moderate, subject-wise difficulty level

JEE Main 2026 Jan 23 Morning Session Analysis

As per experts in the field, the overall difficulty in the JEE Main January 23 morning shift paper was moderate and closely matched the level of the January 21 shift 2 paper.

JEE Main 2026 Jan 23 Shift 1 Physics Paper Analysis

According to Dr Saurabh Kumar, founder and CEO of Shiksha Nation, the physics section was of moderate in difficulty level. Questions largely tested fundamental concepts and were manageable for well-prepared students, though many were time-consuming. Topics reported included De Broglie wavelength and matter waves, electrostatics, magnetic effects of current, wave and ray optics, capacitors, and semiconductors from modern physics. Students found the section more straightforward compared to mathematics and chemistry. Overall, the section was moderately balanced, with a fair mix of conceptual and application-based questions.

Ujjwal Singh, Founding CEO, Infinity Learn by Srti Chaitanya, while sharing the JEE Main analysis for paper 1 Janaury 23 morning shift paper said that the physics paper was easy to moderate level. Majority of questions were concept and formula-based. The section manageable for well-prepared students.

As per Sharma, the Physics section was of moderate difficulty. Questions covered almost all major chapters, with a higher number from Magnetism, while Optics had comparatively fewer. Mechanics had an average representation. A few questions were time-consuming, making the section a bit challenging. Topics like Electromagnetic Waves, Thermodynamics, and Modern Physics were also adequately represented.

The paper seems to be at an easy-to-moderate difficulty level based on the questions reviewed, Gagan Garg, Faculty, PhysicsWallah (PW) said. Most questions were straightforward and formula-based, making them approachable for well-prepared students. The comparatively moderate questions appeared where two or three topics were combined, increasing the application level required. In some Class XII syllabus questions, students needed Class XI formulas too. The exam covered all important chapters typically focused on. Apart from topic combinations, the paper largely remained easy-to-moderate.

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JEE Main 2026 Jan 23 Shift 1 Chemistry Paper Analysis

The chemistry section, as per Kumar, was rated moderate to tough and lengthy. Questions followed an NCERT-based foundation but involved time-consuming problem-solving. The section had balanced coverage across topics, though several numerical and conceptual questions were tricky. Overall, it was not as straightforward as the typical JEE Main chemistry section and required careful attention and accuracy.

According to Sharma, the Chemistry section was easy to moderate. Questions were evenly distributed among Organic, Inorganic, and Physical Chemistry, with a slightly higher weightage to Organic Chemistry. Physical and Inorganic Chemistry had nearly equal representation. Many questions were statement-based and closely aligned with NCERT concepts. While not difficult, some required careful reading and conceptual clarity.

Chemistry, as per Singh, was well balanced across all topics. While most questions were straightforward, a few tricky ones tested conceptual clarity. He also said that the paper was easy to moderate.

As per Sagar Varjatia, Faculty, PhysicsWallah (PW), the first shift’s chemistry section was moderately difficult. Inorganic Chemistry had balanced questions – not too easy or hard. Some were fact-based, needing memory of elements, values, and chemical behaviour, while others were conceptual. Overall, manageable for prepared students.

JEE Main 2026 Jan 23 Shift 1 Mathematics Paper Analysis

The mathematics section, Kumar added, was the toughest among the three. It featured lengthy, highly calculative questions, with many problems requiring multi-step solutions and strong calculation speed. Students found it to be the most time-intensive and challenging section. Overall, it was more difficult than physics and chemistry, making time management crucial.

The Mathematics section, as per Sharma, was moderate to difficult. Questions were well distributed across the syllabus, with higher representation from Integral Calculus, Conic Sections, and Algebra (notably Binomial Theorem). Topics like 3D Geometry, Vectors, and Complex Numbers had an average presence. Algebra appeared slightly dominant, while Coordinate Geometry maintained moderate weightage.

As per Singh as well, the math section was moderate to difficult. Around 7–8 questions were lengthy and time-consuming. Strong problem-solving ability and time management were essential to attempt the section effectively, he added.

According to Rahul Upadhyay, Faculty, PhysicsWallah (PW), the first shift’s Maths section was moderately difficult. It was comfortable for students who practised previous years’ papers and prepared well – questions were in line with regular studies. This section was relatively easier compared to others.

JEE Main 2026 Jan 23 Afternoon Session Analysis

The JEE Main paper conducted on January 23 afternoon shift was of moderate difficulty overall, according to experts in the field. All three subjects were nearly of equal difficulty. Mathematics was slightly more challenging, while Physics and Chemistry were relatively easier to moderate level. The paper was well-balanced in terms of question distribution and coverage across chapters.

JEE Main 2026 Jan 23 Shift 2 Physics Paper Analysis

The Physics section, as per Sharma, was of moderate difficulty. Questions covered almost all major chapters, with a higher number from Electrostatics and Magnetism, while Optics had comparatively fewer. Mechanics had a good representation. Some questions were experiment-based, while others, though conceptually straightforward, required careful analysis and time to solve. A few were time-consuming, making the section somewhat challenging. Topics such as Electromagnetic Waves, Thermodynamics, Thermal Properties, Gravitation, and Modern Physics were also adequately represented.

JEE Main 2026 Jan 23 Shift 2 Chemistry Paper Analysis

According to Sharma, the Chemistry section was easy in comparison to the other two subjects. Questions were asked from all three branches—Organic, Inorganic, and Physical Chemistry. Among these, Inorganic Chemistry had relatively fewer questions, while Organic and Physical Chemistry carried nearly equal weightage. Many questions were statement-based and directly inspired by NCERT. Though generally easy, some required careful reading and application of basic concepts.

JEE Main 2026 Jan 23 Shift 2 Math Paper Analysis

The Mathematics section was moderate to difficult, Sharma said while analysing the JEE Main Jan 23 afternoon shift paper. Questions were well distributed across the syllabus, with higher representation from Algebra, Calculus, and Conic Sections. Topics such as Determinants, Matrices, 3D Geometry, Vectors, and Complex Numbers had an average presence. Algebra appeared slightly dominant, while Coordinate Geometry maintained moderate weightage. The Probability portion had relatively fewer questions.

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